On the shores of Lake Mälaren, Gripsholm Castle towers powerfully and fairytale-like over the idyllic small town of Mariefred in the county of Södermanland, some 61 km (38 miles) south of Stockholm.
The castle was built in the 16th century by King Gustav Vasa, and boasts a unique collection of furniture and artwork spanning 400 years.
In the 18th century King Gustav III fitted out an exquisite castle theater in one of the round Renaissance towers. Today, the theater is one of Europe's best preserved from that era.
The castle also houses the Swedish National Collection of Portraits, featuring more than 4,000 portraits of prominent Swedes from the days of Gustav Vasa to present-day musician and composer Benny Andersson.
Gripsholm Castle
Mariefred
Tel: +46-8-159 101 94